Lot 571: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Lot 571: ALS in French, signed "H. T. Lautrec," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, no date but circa October 1894. Letter to Belgian impressionist painter Theo van Rysselberghe. In full (translated): "I am back from the South of Spain where I have seen Dario. I am leaving for London in four days. Could you be so kind as to give me the address of the lamp and copper store? I need to buy some objects there. Would you also be so kind as to tell me when are you planning to come to Paris and if your house is already in working order? You know that my two friends and I want to see it as soon as possible, as we are all anxious to experience the modern pieces of furniture. I believe the sweet Martin will be in Brussels these next few days and will be visiting you. See you soon, I hope, and please remind me to Mrs. Theo and Olin." A rusty paperclip mark near the top of the first page and a few brushes to ink, otherwise fine condition.Lautrec had just returned home to Paris from Spain where he was hosted by their common friend Dario de Regayos, a Spanish Impressionist. A well-known figure in the European art scene at the turn of the century, van Rysselberghe met Lautrec in 1887 while visiting Paris and began a correspondence that would last several years. Van Rysselberghe's house was a prominent example of the then-nascent Art Nouveau style, as Theo's brother was a leading architect of that trend who was working with Henry van de Velde. The address Lautrec requests is that of Maple & Co., a store in London that sold modern furniture. A fantastic letter between two influential artists, brimming with excitement over the emergence and development of modern design.
RR Auction's Fine Autographs and Artifacts Auction 460
Wednesday, 16th September 2015
Estimate: $3000-4000